Enrollment in Medicare, a U.S federal health insurance program, can provide you with coverage for hospitalization, doctor appointments, preventative care, labs, and medical tests. You’re eligible for Original Medicare at age 65, which includes Medicare Part A (hospital) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance).
But while original Medicare adequately meets the healthcare needs of many older adults, it doesn’t offer extensive coverage. It only covers about 80% of medical costs, and it doesn’t include a prescription drug plan. As a result, you could end up paying a lot for health care out of pocket. A health plan with comprehensive benefits can prove more cost-effective as you approach retirement. For this reason, you should look into a Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.
How Does Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage Work?
A Medicare Advantage plan is Medicare offered by a private insurance company. These plans include the same basic coverage as Original Medicare, in that they offer Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. However, these plans offer additional coverage, too.
Mutual of Omaha’s Medicare Advantage plan functions as all-in-one medical care. You’re covered for hospital stays (with the exception of hospice, which you’ll get under Original Medicare), skilled nursing facilities, doctor’s visits, preventative care, labs, medical tests, and other health care.
Other coverage included in a Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage plan:
- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
One feature that separates Mutual of Omaha’s Medicare Advantage plan from Original Medicare is that the latter doesn’t include a prescription drug plan (PDP). Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for prescription medication — generic or brand prescriptions. Under Medicare Part D, you’ll pay a low copay for medications, helping you save money.
- Dental and Vision Coverage
In addition to regular doctor visits with a specialist or primary care physician, Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits that extend beyond basic coverage to protect your teeth and gums. You’ll also receive coverage for routine eye examinations, contact lenses, and eyeglasses at no extra charge.
- No Copays for Lab Tests
Copays and coinsurance for lab tests can be expensive, so you may delay scheduling a recommended test. When you sign up for Mutual of Omaha’s Medicare Advantage plan, you won’t pay a copay for most labs or tests.
- Free Enrollment in the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program
Being physically active is an excellent way to maintain a healthy weight and promote heart health. Through Mutual of Omaha’s Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll also receive a free gym membership through the Silver Sneakers Program.
- Medical Transportation Benefit
If you need assistance getting to and from your doctor appointments, this plan includes a transportation benefit to cover the cost of travel to appointments. Depending on your diagnosis or condition, it may also cover non-emergency ambulance service to and from your doctor.
- Over-the-Counter Allowance
Each quarter, Mutual of Omaha’s Medicare Advantage plan gives you an allowance toward over-the-counter health-related items. Covered items range from bandages to non-prescription medications.
How to Enroll in a Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage Plan
If you feel that a Medicare Advantage program through Mutual of Omaha is the right fit for you, enrollment is during the seven-month period when you initially become eligible for Medicare. This period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday.
To enroll at a later time (or switch plans), the Open Enrollment Period occurs each year from October 15 to December 7. If you enroll during the annual open enrollment, your coverage doesn’t begin until January 1. You might be eligible to take advantage of special enrollment periods if you move to a different area, or if you lose your health insurance coverage at work.
If you have health insurance through work, speak with your employer first to see how enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan will affect your coverage at work. Otherwise, speak with a licensed insurance agent who can guide you on choosing a plan that is right for you.
Do You Need Mutual of Omaha Supplement Insurance?
But while a Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage plan is necessary for some seniors due to the extra benefits, you might be okay with Original Medicare. In this case, consider enrolling in a Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement insurance plan to pay costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover (copays, coinsurance, and deductibles).
One benefit of getting a Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement insurance plan is that you’re able to use your plan anywhere Medicare is accepted, including in different states and when traveling internationally.
There are 10 basic standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plans, each with varying coverage amounts that vary by state. You’ll need to review these plans and then determine which one is right for you.
Another benefit of supplemental insurance is that your plan can never be canceled, as long as you continue to pay your premiums. Also, you can’t be denied for pre-existing health conditions if you apply during open enrollment. This period starts once you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, but it only lasts for six months.
Keep in mind that Medicare Supplement insurance can only be purchased if you have Original Medicare. It cannot be combined with a Medicare Advantage program. You can, however, purchase a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to accompany your Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement insurance.
Even though there are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plans. Mutual of Omaha’s most popular plans include: Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N.
| Benefits | Plan A | Plan B | Plan C | Plan F | Plan G | Plan K | Plan L | Plan N |
| Part A Coinsurance and Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Part B Coinsurance and Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% |
| Part A Deductible | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | |
| Part B Deductible | 100% | 100% | ||||||
| Blood (first 3 pints per year) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% |
| Part B Excess Charges | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
Final Word
Whether you’re interested in learning about enrollment in Medicare, or just looking for a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement insurance, Mutual of Omaha has a Medicare solution to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Speak with Mutual of Omaha to learn more about these Medicare plans and request a quote.
SOURCES:
“The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare.” Medicare. Accessed January 16, 2020. https://www.medicare.gov/.
“How Original Medicare Works.” Medicare. Accessed January 16, 2020. https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices/how-original-medicare-works.
“What Is Hospice?” Hospice Foundation of America. Accessed January 17, 2020. https://hospicefoundation.org/Hospice-Care/Hospice-Services.